Russell Farr
Managing Director, Australian Online Travel

Russell Farr

Russell Farr is the founder and Managing Director of Australian Online Travel – the online consumer business of the AOT Group. Websites include Need It Now, Travelmate and Need To Escape.

Russell came to the travel industry after an extensive career in the oil industry, during which he held positions in retail, marketing, new business development, IT and corporate strategy.

In 1999, Russell convinced Caltex that internet travel was a growth opportunity too good to miss. This led to the development of the road travel website, Travelmate.com.au, in 2000, followed by the last minute accommodation site, Needitnow.com, in 2001.

The Australian Online Travel businesses were purchased by the AOT Group in 2004, where they have continued to expand, both through organic growth and acquisition.

Russell’s formal qualifications include a BA (Hons) and an MBA.